Published by Jeremy. Last Updated on February 4, 2025.
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Valentine's Day is always a great holiday to have a nice meal out with a loved one. It feels like a great time to get fancy, try something new, and, for some, really go all-out to impress your partner.
In this one, we wanted to share a selection of great Pittsburgh restaurants that you may want to consider for a Valentine's Day celebration with a special someone- be it a spouse, long-time partner, or new romantic interest.
This guide is not comprehensive, nor does it solely focus on expensive, fine-dining restaurants. We wanted to provide a cross-section of restaurant ideas, cuisine styles, and other special aspects to remember for a special meal out. Some are expensive fine-dining, and others are much more approachable for those who may be newly dating or on a budget.
But as Valentine's Day is an incredibly popular time for dining out, we have one recommendation for every restaurant featured below unless otherwise noted- get your reservations early!
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Pusadee's Garden
Pusadee's Garden is one of our favorite fine dining restaurants in Pittsburgh, and takes on a modern take on classic Thai dishes in what is perhaps the most beautiful ambiance in all of Pittsburgh.
True to name, Pusadee's Garden is designed around a central courtyard garden that is, in a word, stunning. Although outdoor seating is unlikely due to the cold weather in February, it is a destination for its design as well as the stellar food whether you are indoors or out.
So try and snag a coveted reservation for this gem in the heart of Lawrenceville for a romantic experience!
Pusadee's Garden is located at 5321 Butler Street in Lawrenceville.
Fig & Ash
For those who love great meat and vegetables cooked over a wood fire, there is no better restaurant than Fig & Ash in the North Side.
This restaurant uses all things fire to make incredible modern American food paired with one of the best cocktail and wine programs in the city. Although we'd classify this spot as higher-end (both in terms of quality and price), the ambiance of the restaurant is quite approachable and welcoming- perfect for casual dates or special occasions.
Fig & Ash is located at 514 East Ohio Street.
Hong BBQ & Hot Pot
One of our favorite date night activities is cooking together, and there are thankfully a number of places in Pittsburgh where you can cook your own meal tableside.
One of our personal favorites is Hong BBQ & Hot Pot on McKnight Road as it is an all-you-can-eat style restaurant focusing on Chinese hot pot, Korean barbecue, or, for a few dollars more, both.
Guests at this restaurant get two hours to order as much food as they want to cook at your table, and can make for a fun interactive celebration for those who want a different kind of meal experience (we think it'd be a great spot for the newly dating- cook, talk, and feast!).
Even better? Hong BBQ & Hot Pot doesn't take reservations, so this could be a great option if you want to be flexible with last minute plans.
Hong BBQ & Hot Pot is located at 4801 McKnight Road.
Gi-Jin / Golden Gai
If you're craving Japanese and high-end nigiri and sashimi for the holiday, it is hard to beat the offerings at Gi-Jin (Downtown) and their sister restaurant, Golden Gai (Bakery Square).
Gi-Jin downtown is a small bar that offers some of the finest sashimi, nigiri, and limited plates with an impressive cocktail and sake program. Their newer spot, Golden Gai, takes all of the things you love about the fresh fish and adds on even more hot plates for an izakaya-style dining experience- all with the same stellar drink program (and more).
But, much like many restaurants on this list, get your reservation early as these two spots are quite popular!
Gi-Jin is located at 208 6th Street in Downtown Pittsburgh and Golden Gai is located at 116 Bakery Square in the East End.
Dish Osteria
Dish Osteria is one of those unassuming restaurants in Pittsburgh that has sticks to the classics (in this case, Italian with a Sicilian twist) and has a die-hard following.
It is one of those places that you can order everything on the menu, toss on a cocktail and a glass of wine, and let the night go by with the one you love more than anything else, only to end it with a discussion on when you'll be making your next reservation because it is just that good.
So whether you are a fan of all things Italian dining or simply want a welcoming restaurant where everything is delicious, Dish Osteria in South Side is sure to deliver.
Dish Osteria is located at 128 S 7th Street in South Side.
Lilith
If you want a laid back restaurant with a welcoming ambiance and the kind of menu where you can order everything on the menu and be happy, you'll want to consider Lilith in Shadyside for your special dinner out.
This one feels like you're eating dinner at a friend's house, where the friend just happens to be one of the city's best chefs. Plates are often modest in size and great for sharing, make for a perfect opportunity to buy several and share with your date.
Just stay a bit hungry for dessert, as the restaurant has some of the best desserts we've had in recent memory in the city!
Lilith is located at 238 Spahr Street in Shadyside.
Con Alma
If your idea of a romantic night out involves dinner and a show, why not combine it at Con Alma in the Cultural District. This is one part modern American dining and one part jazz bar, and is combined for a whole lot of fun!
Guests here can enjoy some of the best food in the city with live music just feet from your table, throwing back to an era long since past when dinner and a show all in a single venue were the talk of the town.
But for those visiting for a meal at Con Alma, keep in mind that there is often a cover charge when dining due to the live music.
Con Alma is located at 613 Penn Avenue in downtown Pittsburgh.
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Altius
If you're looking for that classic Pittsburgh view with some stellar fine dining, it is hard to beat a meal at Altius.
Located on Grandview Avenue on Mount Washington, Altius has one of the best views of the city, a stellar fine dining experience, and an elevated atmosphere that just screams romance. So dress to the nines and impress your loved one at this staple for all things fine dining!
Altius is located at 1230 Grandview Avenue in Duquesne Heights/Mount Washington.
Barcelona Wine Bar
Fancy a little bit of a less formal dining experience full of delicious wine and tapas? Barcelona Wine Bar in the Cultural District is for you!
One of the best parts about this one is that they offer a wide variety of tapas, typically smaller plates of food meant for grazing. Go with your date, order a bunch, and graze your way around the menu all while enjoying stellar wines from Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries like Chile, Uruguay, and more!
As a bonus, the wine menu at Barcelona Wine Bar offers an exceptional number of wines available by the glass, with most of the menu being available as a half-pour as well- great for those who want to try more just like the tapas!
Barcelona Wine Bar is located at 922 Penn Avenue in the Cultural District.
One by Spork
Finally, we come to the prix fixe restaurant One by Spork. Prior to the end of 2024, Spork was one of the city's best fine dining restaurants with inventive meals and a stellar bar program.
They decided to rebrand as One, the city's premier prix fixe dining restaurant serving not one, not two, not five, but over a dozen courses with wine & cocktail (or NA drink) pairing included. Although this one is likely going to be the most expensive meal you've had in Pittsburgh (possibly a few times over- it was for us!), this one is a real treat when you want to splurge with some of the city's best fine dining!
One by Spork is located at 5430 Penn Avenue at the corner of Friendship, Bloomfield, and Garfield neighborhoods.
Do you have a favorite restaurant to visit for Valentine's Day or just a date night in general? Comment below to share!